Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-11-18
THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT.

THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT.
Its Early History and its first Graduating
Glass.
Hon. Charles Adams, the author of
these "recollections" was graduated from
the University at the early age of 10
He at once entered upon the study of his
chosen profession-the law-of which he
subsequently became distinguished
member. During the 40 years of his &C
tive professional life he was known as a
man of intellectual ability, integrity,
sagacity and purity Of character He was
man of marked peculiarities and decid-
edOpinions but beneath his often bluff
manner and his somewhat rugged ex-
terror, beat warm heart always ready
to advance the interests of his friends or
of the public.
He was a loyal son of his Alma Mater,
serving her in many of her hours of trial,
with fidelity and efficiency which ma
terially contributed to her prosperity and
usefulness. AT the time of his death he
had begun to collect material for his
tory of this town, where he had resided
since his graduation, and with whose rec
OrdS he was so familiar In connection
with this work he had commenced to
write down, as opportunity occurred, or
the spirit moved, his early recollections of
his college life. Many of these were dis
connected, and from their often brief and
unfinished character, were doubtless in
tended to be simply suggestive, to be sub
sequently elaborated as he had leisure
But death prevented the completion of
his intended work He died, somewhat
suddenly, January II, 1861 at the ripe old
age of 16. Two of his classmates had
already gone before, PROF. Jairus Ken
nan in 1916, and Wheeler Barnes in 1853
Tustus Perry Wheeler alone, of the origi-
nal four classmates, survived. He died
October IS, 1872, at the advanced age of
90 years. And to day the class of 1904
lives only in the history OF the past.
MIR. ADAMS 5 RECoLLECTIoNs-Fo FOUNDATION
OF THE UNIVERSITY.
The Legislature of Vermont had deter
mined to create n State Institution and
granted charter therefor. The proper
authorities had ordered the erection of the
necessary buildings at Burlington. In
addition to the fact that the situation of
that town was eligible as affording great
er facilities for the general diffusion of
learning, many individuals had manifest
ed strong interest in the subject and
great liberallty in providing means for its
erection at that place.
Among the early friends and patrons of
the University, the first Governor of Yer
mont should be cordially mentioned.
Thomas Chittenden foresaW the import
ance of higher institution of learning,
to the people of the State, and its influ-
ence in the dissemination of free princi-
pies and Christian civilization, and gave
to it his appreciation and support.
But probably. the late Ira Allen exerted
a more potent influence in the location of
the University at Burlington, than any
other individual. He was among its
earliest advocates But rs he died before
he had an opportunity to carry out his in
tentlons and as adverse circumstances
prevented the realization of all that
he proposed to do, his name is not always
mentioned with the commentator it de-
served. The State has raised monu-
ment to the memory of his brave brother
| In the shadow OF the university, and vet
Ira Allen entertained the largest views
and more lofty purpose. lie was a gentle
man of uncommon enterprise and his aims
| reached far and wide. AS the Prophet or's
Records of more than 100 towns in Yer
mont will show, he was also practical
man, and expended large sums in the CON
struction of roads, bridges and mills The
| titles OF more than one seventh of the
| lands i'll Burlington are traceable to him,
and the form of the village of Burlington
IS indicated by its streets, was from his
| designs. The location of the village and
| the commanding site selected for the
university, indicate the views he enter
tanned for the embryo town. He erected
| mills and FORCES at Winooski and Col
| chester at first was the leading town and
when Chittenden county was first organ
lied, the courts of justice were held there.
Active eXertions for the building of the
college began with the commencement of
the present century.
THE FIRST COLLEGE BUILDING.
In 1900 the pines of the primeval forest
We're ielled, and "A site opened for the flu
ture edifice, the walls of which were
erected III 1901 and the roof covered. The
college building was of brick 100 feet in
length, four stories high, with a projec-
ton III the centre for a chapel, and sur
mounted by tower or belfry. The gene
raj plan OF the edltice WAS furnished by
Isaac Tlchenor, aud did credit to the fine
taste of that distinguished Senator of Yer,
mont. The building excited admiration
for ITS architectural beauty, and the eX.
cellent manner in which the work was
P'rioTmed. Mr.. Abraham Bethrong OF
Middlebury was the chief mason. ON
townsman, John johnson. subsequently
the surveyor general OF the State) then
quite young man, and Il new asplrant
Tor practical science, wa, the architect
and practical builder. The roof and the
| IoNSi anu DclIIy required large amount
OF timber, and the timber and the hun
! dreds OF pieces were obtained and Framed
wherever the best timber could be found
and it was then said, to the honor of In,
young architect, that when the seyera
: parts were collected and put together
: not single stick failed of fitting 30 ex
actness its destined place.
The first room in the edifice was fin
ished in 1902, at private expense, and wa
! occupied by Wheeler Barnes and Charles
! Adams, 1.-TWO of the four members of tn,
! first graduating class QSO4,) for the re
. mainder Of their college term.
This room became somewhat noted a